Joseph Anthony (Joe) Bird

Joseph Anthony (Joe) Bird, beloved brother, uncle, coach and friend died on April 3, 2025, at his home in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Joe was born June 27th, 1947, the fifth child and son of Norris Bird and Mary Ann Timm Bird. After attending grade school in South Byron, Joe attended St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac, graduating in 1965. He attended the Wisconsin State University of Whitewater before transferring to the School of Business Administration at Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh where he was a member of the varsity bowling team. He had nearly completed his degree when world events intervened. When it became apparent that he would be drafted, he volunteered for the draft and served in the US Army from 1970-71, including a tour in Viet Nam. Upon discharge he returned to Fond du Lac and completed his business degree at Marian College.

Joe worked for a number of years at Thresherman’s/Society Insurance as VP of Claims until an opportunity arose to be part of the consolidation of the six Catholic Parishes in Fond du Lac to the single Holy Family Catholic Parish, comprised of St. Peter, St. Mary’s, Sacred Heart and the new Holy Family church. He was hired as the first business manager of the new Holy Family Catholic Parish, a position he held until his retirement in 2019. He was instrumental in the design and building of the new church building on Fourth Street Way and was very proud of the result.

Joe lived a life of faith and service. In addition to serving his parish, he volunteered for 33 years at St. Mary’s Springs High School, coaching the golf team. Starting with his first year as head coach in 1988, Joe won 20 Conference Championships, 13 Regional Championships, and 6 Sectional Championships. His teams were State Runners up twice and two of his golfers won individual state championships. He capped his coaching career with four straight WIAA champions from 2015-2018. In recognition of his coaching accomplishments, he was inducted into the SMSHS Athletic Hall of Fame and Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin Hall of Fame.

Joe was more than just a coach to his players (aka The Boneheads). He was a mentor and example to the young men and women on his teams. He maintained lifelong friendships with many of them. His home and his listening ear were always available and his players say they learned more about how to be a good person than just how to play golf.

In addition to his coaching, Joe served on multiple boards in the community of FDL. These include St. Francis Home, South Hills Executive Committee, SMS Foundation Board, Wisconsin High School Golf Board, and Bethany House/ Solutions Center Board. He was a long time member of the FDL Noon Rotary, serving as president from 2001-02. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was inducted into the FDL Softball Association Hall of Fame. He was a life member of Oakfield VFW Post 8092.

Joe is survived by his siblings Michael Bird (special friend Arlene Costello), John (Barbara) Bird, Phillip (Luann) Bird, Maggie (Steve) McCullough and Meidana (Rajiam) Pursifull. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children, all of who were very dear to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Stephen (Sandy) Bird, sister Elizabeth Bird and beloved nephews Matt and Adam McCullough.

Special thanks go out to his players and friends for their love and support over the years and at this difficult time, especially Phil and Chris Twohig and their children and grandchildren.

“There are 1.3 billion Chinese who don’t care what you shot today-Keep your head up”

In lieu of flowers, donations to SMSHS Joe Bird Memorial fund or Holy Family Parish are appreciated.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E Division St, Fond du Lac and again on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth St Way, Fond du Lac. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM. Burial and Committal Prayers will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Charles Cemetery, W4287 Golf Course Dr, Fond du Lac.